MRI Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides highly detailed pictures that help with the diagnosis and evaluation of medical issues. Usually, you have to go to a hospital or imaging center to have an MRI, but The Honeycomb Clinic now offers MRIs on-site in its Houston, Texas, office. This provides convenience, rapid results, and easy insurance coordination. Call the office or click the online booking link to make your appointment now. 

What is MRI imaging?

Magnetic resonance imaging uses large magnets and radio waves to produce images from inside your body.  While X-rays are usually the best imaging test for bone issues, MRI imaging excels at showing detailed images of soft tissues and organs. MRIs don’t use radiation like X-rays and CT scans do.

What problems does MRI imaging diagnose?

MRI imaging helps doctors diagnose and evaluate a large variety of health issues. You may need an MRI to check for:

• Torn ligaments
• Tendon damage
• Aneurysms
• Blood vessel blockages
• Previous heart attacks
• Stroke
• Tumors
• Traumatic brain injury
• Multiple sclerosis
• Spinal cord disorders
• Herniated discs
• Pinched nerves
• Fractures
• Bone infections
• Kidney problems
• Live and bile duct disease
• Female reproductive organ problems
• Male reproductive issues 

MRI imaging may also help doctors detect, diagnose, and evaluate other types of soft tissue and organ issues. 

How does MRI imaging work? 

During an MRI, part or all of your body goes into a magnetic field. Large MRI machines are tunnels you enter while lying flat on your back. There are also smaller MRI machines that encase only part of your body (for example, legs or arms). 

Your body is mainly made of water, which contains magnetic hydrogen atoms. When you’re inside the MRI machine, the hydrogen atoms align with the magnetic field. 

Radio waves disrupt that alignment temporarily, causing the atoms to strain against the magnetic pull. Then, the radiofrequency field is turned off. 

The MRI sensors measure the energy signals as the atoms realign with the magnetic field. These signals then create cross-sectional images. MRI imaging can produce pictures from the bottom, front, or sides, allowing medical providers to assess issues from every angle. 

How do I prepare for an MRI imaging?

Because you’re essentially inside a giant magnet during an MRI, you must remove everything containing metal, including jewelry, piercings, eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, and even cosmetics and nail polish. 

The Honeycomb Clinic reviews your medical history thoroughly before you have an MRI. If you have any type of implanted metal, including things like cochlear implants, pacemakers, intrauterine devices, and joint replacements, you may not be able to have an MRI.

Other medical clinics send you to the hospital or a big imaging center for MRIs, but The Honeycomb Clinic provides the imaging test on-site to give you instant results and maximum convenience. Call the office or book your appointment online today.